Chapter 20: Endocrine and Hematologic Emergencies

Question 1

Describe the Endocrine system

Answer 1

The complex message and control system that integrates many body functions, including the release of hormones.

Question 2

What does Insulin do in the body?

Answer 2

A hormone produced by the pancreas, It enables glucose in the blood to enter cells

Question 3

What are the 2 hormones produced in the in the pancreas?

Answer 3

The pancreas produces and stores two hormones that play a major role in glucose metabolism:
Glucagon and Insulin

Both are produced in the Islets of Langerhans, alpha cells produce glucagon and beta cells produce insulin

Question 4

Which hormone, secreted by the pancreas, lowers blood sugar levels in the blood?

Answer 4

Insulin

Question 5

Which hormone, secreted by the pancreas, elevates sugar levels in the blood?

Answer 5

Glucagon

Question 6

What is the term for glucose when it is stored in the liver and skeletal muscles for later use?

Answer 6

Glycogen

Question 7

What is diabetes mellitus?

Answer 7

A metabolic disorder in which the ability to metabolize carbohydrates (sugars) is impaired, usually because of a lack of insulin.

Question 8

What is the primary medical malfunction in a patient with Diabetes Mellitus?

Answer 8

The patient either has impaired insulin production or a lower then usual number of functioning receptors on the surface of the cells for insulin to bind to.

Question 9

Why does blood sugar rise when insulin levels are low?

Answer 9

Insulin allows sugars in the form of glucose to enter and “feed” the bodies cells, as well be stored in the skeletal muscles and liver for later use as Glycogen.

Without Insulin blood sugar accumulates in the blood instead of being used for cellular energy

Question 10

What are the 3 types of diabetes mellitus?

Answer 10

Diabetes mellitus 1 - An autoimmune disorder in which the individual’s immune system produces antibodies against the pancreatic beta cells. Essentially the body lacks insulin to allow glucose to enter cells and the cell cannot produce energy.

Diabetes mellitus 2 - The body makes less insulin then it used to and the body becomes resistant to insulin

gestational diabetes - temporary diabetes brought on by pregnancy that usually resolves at the end of pregnancy

Question 11

What is a normal blood sugar level?

Answer 11

Between 80 - 120 mg/dL

Question 12

When the body burns fat instead of glucose for energy production, what is produced?

Answer 12

Ketones - a type of acid produced by the liver when fat is burned for energy instead of glucose

Question 13

Why shouldn’t you coach someone experiencing Kussmaul respirations to slow their respiration?

Answer 13

This rapid, deep breathing is helping the patient compensate for acidosis. If breathing is slowed, more acids can accumulate and the patient’s condition will worsen

Question 14

What are a few symptoms that you might encounter with Hyperglycemia?

Answer 14

• Gradual onset
• Warm and dry skin
• Intense thirst
• Present and increasing hunger
• Vomiting/abdominal pain
• Kussmaul respirations
• Normal to low blood pressure
• Rapid, weak, thready pulse
• Restlessness, possibly progressing to coma
• Abnormal or slurred speech
• Unsteady gait